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Is it neuropathy related to chemo or is it carpal tunnel?

Posted by carol1024 @carol1024, Sep 9 5:57am

The forefinger, middle finger and ring finger on my right hand are numb. The space where fore and middle finger meet on top of hand is also numb. Sometimes when I bend hand forward, a pain will shoot down to the area between the fore and middle finger then it's really numb. I can't pick up pills or other small items because I can't feel them. I have referral to hand surgeon but haven't heard anything yet. Thanks

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raebaby | @raebaby | Sep 11 10:57pm

I had three fingers go numb on my left hand and both of my feet, caused from chemo for breast cancer.
Recently, I started using cuffs on my calves that were given to me when I was in the hospital after the lumpectomy ,to avoid a blood clot. This is because my ankles were swelling.
After about 2 weeks of using them, I found most of the feeling back in my hand and somewhat less numbness in my feet. If you buy a pair, get the kind you can walk around in. I'm 84 and my hand was numb for 4 years.
It must be that the circulation improved and got more blood to my hand and feet.

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carol1024 | @carol1024 | Sep 12 3:15am
In reply to @raebaby "I had three fingers go numb on my left hand and both of my feet, caused..." + (show)
Profile picture for raebaby @raebaby

I had three fingers go numb on my left hand and both of my feet, caused from chemo for breast cancer.
Recently, I started using cuffs on my calves that were given to me when I was in the hospital after the lumpectomy ,to avoid a blood clot. This is because my ankles were swelling.
After about 2 weeks of using them, I found most of the feeling back in my hand and somewhat less numbness in my feet. If you buy a pair, get the kind you can walk around in. I'm 84 and my hand was numb for 4 years.
It must be that the circulation improved and got more blood to my hand and feet.

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I considered that too and wonder if walking on my treadmill would do any good. Where did you get them and if they pump, how do you walk around in them? It's been a little and I don't remember but seems like they hooked them up to something to make them pump up. I'll check in to it though and I'll add that wearing a back brace for the last 2 days has helped tremendously with my toes which reinforces that I think numbness in toes is from back issues. Thank you so much for info.

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raebaby | @raebaby | Sep 12 12:43pm

I got them on amazon. I'll try to put the information here.
They are battery operated and hook wth velcro around your calves and inflate while you are wearng them,
I have an under the desk peddaler and it didn't affect the neuropathy.

It's very possible your back problems could cause numbness. I hurt my back but the pain radiated to my hip.

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barbsgarden4 | @barbsgarden4 | Sep 12 6:47pm

l have had breast cancer with chemo and radiation left side, 25 years ago. for 5 years I have been dealing with with numbness in my hand and fingers. I have been been to many hand doctors. not one could explain what was happening. started with ulnar surgery which did nothing. I have had 4 now emgs. sticking needles in my arm. now this last year it has creeped up my arm. I have no use of my arm now, totally numb. I was referred to a neurologist. after 3 MRIs , another emg and blood work. he took 8 viles of blood. my final diagnose was radiation leaked in to my brachial plexus nerves from 25 years ago. I was shocked. no cure for me. will try physical therapy. he said might help. it has been a long and hard battle to find out I cannot be fixed. good luck.

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carol1024 | @carol1024 | Sep 13 3:33am
In reply to @barbsgarden4 "l have had breast cancer with chemo and radiation left side, 25 years ago. for 5..." + (show)
Profile picture for barbsgarden4 @barbsgarden4

l have had breast cancer with chemo and radiation left side, 25 years ago. for 5 years I have been dealing with with numbness in my hand and fingers. I have been been to many hand doctors. not one could explain what was happening. started with ulnar surgery which did nothing. I have had 4 now emgs. sticking needles in my arm. now this last year it has creeped up my arm. I have no use of my arm now, totally numb. I was referred to a neurologist. after 3 MRIs , another emg and blood work. he took 8 viles of blood. my final diagnose was radiation leaked in to my brachial plexus nerves from 25 years ago. I was shocked. no cure for me. will try physical therapy. he said might help. it has been a long and hard battle to find out I cannot be fixed. good luck.

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So sorry to hear that. Thankfully I haven't had radiation. I did get an arm splint and it has helped a great deal. Congrats on being in remission with your cancer. Striving for that myself. 🙏🏻🤞

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